The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, has lauded the exemplary leadership of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Adebayo also expressed appreciation for the NCC’s dedication to ensuring quality regulation, recognizing the pivotal role it has played in the success of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.
During a meeting with mobile network operators to discuss the implementation of the Expanded Revenue Assurance Solution (ERAS) in the telecommunications sector, held at the NCC’s office in Lagos, Adebayo commended Danbatta’s exceptional administrative skills. He refuted the notion that engineers are not adept administrators and hailed Danbatta as a remarkable leader who has significantly contributed to the growth and development of the industry.
Addressing the attendees, Danbatta provided insights into the implementation of the ERAS project. He emphasized the collaboration between the NCC and the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC), stating that the project operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement following the DFDDOT model (Design, Finance, Develop, Deploy, Operate, and Transfer) recommended by the ICRC.
Danbatta acknowledged the NCC’s efforts in transforming the long-conceived ERAS project into a reality. He highlighted the project’s alignment with the Federal Government’s directive to enhance revenue collection and prevent financial leakages within various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
Through the deployment of the Revenue Assurance Solution, the NCC aims to optimize the revenue payable by licensed telecommunications service providers, thereby bolstering government revenue generation.
Initially focusing on telecom operators, who have emerged as major industry players and expanded their services into the digital ecosystem, the ERAS project underwent a significant expansion. Following presidential approval in June 2022, the NCC was directed to broaden the project’s scope to include the activities of Digital Economy stakeholders, leading to its renaming as the Expanded Revenue Assurance Solution (ERAS).
The implementation of ERAS underscores the NCC’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and financial efficiency within the Nigerian telecom and digital services sectors. By utilizing accurate data and information, the ERAS aims to eliminate incorrect computations, flawed data, and information leakages.
As the telecom industry plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and enabling digital transformation, ALTON’s recognition of Danbatta’s leadership and the NCC’s ongoing efforts highlight their commitment to creating an enabling regulatory environment that fosters innovation and sustainable development.
Stakeholders within the telecom and digital services sectors eagerly anticipate the positive impact of the ongoing implementation of the Expanded Revenue Assurance Solution on revenue generation and the overall growth of the Nigerian economy.